LOCAL BASKETBALL: Maguire to be inducted into CYO Basketball Hall of Fame

Mike Maguire remembers the first points he scored in his CYO basketball career.

It was late in a game against Holy Cross and the St. Paul’s coach sent Maguire, then a third-grader, into the game in the final seconds.

As Maguire tells it he was told to go stand under St. Paul’s basket. At the other end his teammates grabbed the rebound and threw it down to the waiting Maguire.

“I grabbed the ball and turned to the basket,’’ remembered Maguire. “I threw the ball up as hard as I could. I got fouled and hit the floor and never saw the ball go in.’’

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It did and one of the greatest careers in CYO basketball history was born.

Maguire’s career will be celebrated this Sunday at the Nottingham Ballroom when Maguire is inducted into the CYO Basketball Hall of Fame. The event is scheduled to start with a cocktail hour at 3 p.m.

“I had a wonderful experience at the CYO and I coached my two daughters through the CYO,’’ said Maguire. “Now, I’m very fortunate to watch my grandchildren experience the various CYO camps and programs.’’

While it has been a family affair for the Maguire’s the CYO experience goes beyond scoring game-winning baskets and collecting trophies.

“Being involved in the CYO taught me so much,’’ Maguire said. “It taught me discipline, it taught me to be competitive and to experience the victories as well as the defeats. I learned a great deal about respect. Respect for my teammates and my opponents. But, most importantly respect for myself.’’

Maguire earned a lot of respect on the court as he led St. Paul’s to new heights.

During his final CYO season he created one of those moments that he has cherished to this day.

St. Paul’s lost just ne game during the regular season and as anyone knows the CYO playoffs are tension filled, gym packed and always memorable.

The Princeton guys played Holy Cross in the opening round and Maguire was up to the challenge. Two games later it was the finals and Blessed Sacrament was sitting on the other side of the scorers table.

Maguire scored 29 points and a lifelong memory was created.

“Our entire team played the game of our lives,’’ recalled Maguire. “I was taken out of the game with 30 seconds left to a rousing standing ovation from the entire crowd and both teams. It was truly a moment in time that I will never forget and I will treasure the rest of my life.’’

Now, Maguire and his moments will be a part of the CYO Basketball Hall of Fame.